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As you drive south of El Rosario, on Mexico Federal Highway 1, you'll pass through "Valle de los Ciros" Nacional Areas Protejidas, otherwise known as "Valley of the Ciros" Protected Area. This drive, from just south of El Rosario, almost to the state line, near Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, featues a trip through some of the most bizzare and weird cactus that you'll ever see. Since this area is unique to Planet Earth, as it's home to the largest tract of ciro cactus found on the planet, it's protected by the Mexican government, and is awarded the ecological status, only eclipsed by a national park. Motor vehicle access is limited to existing roads and trails, and any access, off the existing roads, is limited to foot or horseback. If you're a member of the Sierra Club, I can already see the smile on your face. Photo: Valley of the Ciros, looking east towards distant desert mountains.
Photo: A cornupopia of cactus sprouts from the top of this rocky hill, about 30 miles south of El Rosario. Leaving El Rosario, Highway 1 swings almost due east, toward the Sea of Cortez, and about 20 miles after leaving El Rosario, and climbing a steep grade, you'll encounter a sign that tells you that you've entered the Valle de los Ciros. The scenery is spectacular, as you'll be rewarded with views of distant mountains, back by blue skies with puffy, white clouds, and almost any variety of cactus that you can imagine. Yes, ciros abound, but there are more varieties of cactus to enjoy.
Photo: Looking south on Highway 1, which shows the typical scenery encountered just a few miles south of El Rosario. Note that the highway is very well engineered and maintained.
Photo: Believe it or not, these skinny ciros cactus stand about 20 feet tall! From El Rosario to the turnoff to Bahia de Los Angeles, I was awarded surrealistic views of some of the most spectacular cactus forests, planted on craggy, boulder-strewn mountains, situated with azure blue skies for a background.
Photo: Check out the small leaves that the ciro cactus have, in comparision to the other cactus that stand near them. I love the rustic, red color of the soil... the Baja California desert is truly beautiful!
Photo: We're 50 km south of El Rosario, and we're looking east as Highway 1 crosses Caņada Cardones Hermamos, with the mountain called Corral de Enmedio in the background, in the Valley of the Ciros. There's not much more I can say about the spectacular scenery located in the Valley of the Ciros. Admire the photos, and plan your trip to beautiful Baja California, Mexico...
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